Cubs' offense shut down in 3-2 loss to Clearwater

The Cubs (42-34, 7-3) mustered only two hits in the final six innings of a 3-2 loss to the Threshers in front of an announced crowd on 2,159 at Jackie Robinson Ballpark.

CHRIS BOYLESTAFF WRITER

DAYTONA BEACH -- After surrendering 15 earned runs in his last two starts, Clearwater left-hander Hoby Milner shut down the Daytona Cubs on Saturday night.

The Cubs (35-31, 7-3) mustered only two hits in the final six innings of a 3-2 loss to the Threshers in front of an announced crowd on 2,159 at Jackie Robinson Ballpark.

“Milner made an adjustment, and we didn't,” Cubs manager Dave Keller said. “He kept us off balance by changing speeds. He pitched us inside; he pitched us away. Our guys didn't make adjustments and use the whole field. Basically, he pitched however he wanted to.”

Of Daytona's 27 outs, 16 of them came either by strikeout or flyout. Milner (7-4), who had not recorded a strikeout in either of his previous two starts, fanned five Cubs batters in 6 2/3 innings.

Eight of the 15 runs allowed by Milner came at the hands of Daytona on June 18.

“Last time we faced him over there in Clearwater, we beat him up pretty good,” Keller said. “He changed for the better, and we changed for the worse.”

The game was delayed 26 minutes due to rain in the area. The delay did not appear to bother the Cubs offensively, however, as they put two runs on the board in the bottom of the first inning.

Tim Saunders ignited the attack with a bunt single up the third-base line. After Saunders advanced on a wild pitch, Javier Baez singled into right field to bring home the game's first run.

Dustin Geiger added to his league-leading RBI total, bringing in Baez on a single to left to give Daytona an early 2-0 lead.

Clearwater rallied after Chris Serritella's RBI single in the second. The following inning, Aaron Altherr put the Threshers (35-33, 4-5) ahead with a two-run double into the gap in left-centerfield.

Pierce Johnson (0-1) lost his first Florida State League decision, pitching five innings and allowing three earned runs.

The Cubs were fortunate, however, to only lose the game.

Saunders and Taiwan Easterling collided in the seventh inning on a shallow fly ball to right field. Saunders took several minutes to heal after tweaking his shin.

“I couldn't hear (Easterling),” Saunders said. “He called it, and I just couldn't get out of the way. I was at full speed, and he was at full speed.”

He not only stayed in the game but was given the opportunity to put Daytona ahead in the bottom of the seventh. With runners on first and third, Saunders popped out to right field off reliever Colby Shreve.

Saunders said he felt fine after the game and hopes to play again Sunday.

The Cubs will continue their three-game series with the Threshers at 5:35 p.m. Sunday. Matt Loosen (2-2, 3.68 ERA) is expected to make the start against Clearwater's Nick Hernandez (3-3, 4.63 ERA).